Because of poorly positioned windows or a lack of square footage, some interiors feel smaller and more constrained than they need to. Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can do to make interiors light, bright, and airy with minimal time and work, short of pulling down walls. From basement bedrooms to tiny living quarters, use these methods to liven up any area in the house.
Clean the Windows
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one that’s frequently overlooked: Cleaning the windows can make a significant difference in a room’s brightness. You may make a basic cleaner by mixing one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle to get your windows shining.
Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors should be placed opposite windows to reflect more light around the house. If your walls are large enough, you can create an eclectic look by putting together a gallery wall with various-sized mirrors. Another clever method is to strategically place a mirror at the end of a narrow hallway to make it appear larger.
Rearrange Furniture
If your furniture is blocking any of the light coming in through the windows, reposition the furniture so that the sun may come through.
Streamline Your Shelves
Although it may be tempting to stuff your built-ins with books and other items, make sure to leave some room on the shelves. Too much junk on display gives the impression that your property is lacking in storage space.
Cut Back on Clutter
A room will feel lighter and airier with fewer stuff in it. Reduce the amount of heavy door, tchotchkes, and other unneeded stuff in smaller areas. Remove them or relocate them to a larger room with more natural light.
Hang Sheer Window Treatments
Lighter window treatments should be used instead of hefty ones. If at all possible, use sheers to let in the maximum light while maintaining privacy.
Choose the Right Fabrics
Wool, velvet, and fur are heavy textiles with a strong presence that may make a room appear cluttered. Lighter fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and lace, attract less attention, making a tiny space feel more open and cheerful.
Hang Curtains Strategically
When installing a curtain rod, ensure sure it goes beyond the window casing on both sides. Not only will the windows appear larger, but the curtains will not impede the glass or the incoming light while they are open. Mounting the curtain rod several inches above the top of a window will also give it a taller appearance.
Use Natural Materials
Swap Out Doors
Replace solid doors with French doors in rooms that don’t require complete privacy. The transparent glass panels will make a room feel more spacious, as will installing transoms over doors.
Lighten Up Floors
Dark colors on floors, walls, and ceilings can make a room feel smaller and more closed off. While it’s easy to paint the walls, changing out dark floors is an expensive proposition. For a quick fix at a fraction of the cost of replacing the floor, try laying downlighter area rugs or carpet tiles over a darker floor to set a brighter color palette for the space.
Layer Your Lighting
Use multiple light sources in each room so no matter how much or how little natural light is coming in from the outside, you can always add a little more. Start with a primary light source—for example, overhead lighting—then mix in secondary sources, such as accent lamps or task lighting.
Scale Down Furniture
If you can, swap out heavy furniture for pieces with slimmer profiles. Opt for sofas with exposed legs and low tables made of materials like wrought iron, glass, and acrylic to make a space feel roomier.
Check Light Bulb Labels
Light bulbs are now required to have a lighting facts label on the packaging. It looks much like the nutritional facts label you see on packaged food at the grocery store, and it tells you how bright the bulb is (measured in lumens) and whether the light appears more warm or cool (measured on the Kelvin temperature scale). Cool light makes a room look whiter and brighter and is a good choice for a small bathroom or kitchen.
Use Dimmer Switches
Put primary light sources on dimmer switches so you can brighten a room as the light changes throughout the day.
Don’t Forget Utility Spaces
Utility spaces like laundry rooms or closets are easy to neglect, but these are often the places that feel the most cramped. Use solutions like undercabinet lighting or spotlights to illuminate every nook and cranny.
Be a Minimalist on the Walls
A cluster of gallery-style artwork may not be the best choice for a small space. Choose a few pieces of art and make sure there’s plenty of space around each one to make the walls feel more expansive.
Use Paint to Your Advantage
Nothing will brighten up a room as quickly as painting it in a light, neutral color palette. Make your bold statements with pops of brighter colors for furnishings and accessories.
